Page 6 - Laos Destination Guide - Alluring Asia

LANGUAGE The official and dominant language is Lao, a tonal language of the Tai linguistic group. Minorities speak an assortment of Mon-Khmer, Hmong-Yao, and Tibeto-Burman languages. French, once common in government and commerce, has declined in usage, while knowledge of English--the language of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-- has increased in recent years. The government is encouraging officials and students to learn English. High school students are required to take either French or English; the majority today choose English. The government introduced English at the primary school level in 2010. COMMON PHRASES in LAO English LAO Hello Sa-bai-Dee How are you? Sa-bai-Dee Baw? Thank you Khawp Jai You're welcome Baw nyin dee Goodbye Sohk Dee Der Please Kalunaa I'm sorry Koh toht What is your name? Jao seu nyang? My name is ______ Knawy seu ______ Yes Tjao No Boh Where is the toilet? Hawng Nam Yuu Sai? How do I get to __? Khoy bpay ___ baep dai? Water Naam How much is? Anee tor dai? Numbers One Neung Two Song Three Sam Four see Five ha Six hok Seven jed Eight pad Nine kao Ten sib Eleven sib et Twelve sib song Thirteen sib sam Fourteen sib see